Last month, Rado released two new additions to its popular High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton collection–both in late-night blue. Today, we have the pleasure of featuring the Captain Cook. Well known for its innovative use of materials, Rado has doubled down, of late, on the use of high-tech ceramic. Lightweight, scratch resistant, and hypoallergenic, the material is a no-brainer for durability; however, mastering its use in watchmaking is no small order.
In 2021, Rado introduced its first Captain Cook in high tech ceramic, and has since been adding to the collection by way of colour–as well as in the usage of openwork dials. This year, the colour of choice is a deep, azure blue.
Check out the 2024 RADO Captain Cook Automatic
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Key Features of the RADO Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton
Captain Cook is Rado’s answer to adventure. In recent years, it has become an emblematic piece for the brand—arguably more popular today than it has ever been. In all iterations, it exhibits a rugged charm with distinct and recognisable styling cues, like its dished bezel and pronounced dome.
The blue ceramic used in the case here has an attractive, silky matte finish that really sets off the highly polished teeth in the bezel and its insert. Like other watches in the collection, it measures 43mm in diameter, 49.8mm lug to lug, and 14.6mm in height (once the dome has been taken into consideration). However, for the first time, the display case back has been colour-matched in PVD.
Whether it be through the tinted dome, or the sapphire exhibition crystal, the brand’s R808 movement is on full display. It is equipped with a Nivachron hairspring and is highly resistant to shocks, thermal variations, and magnetic fields. The movement is also regulated in five positions for maximum accuracy. Its 3Hz, 25-jewel calibre promises a solid 80-hour power reserve, as well.
This latest Captain Cook Skeleton comes on the brand’s robust rubber strap. Last year, I took a version of this watch and strap wreck-diving in Tobermory. It proved to be shockingly wearable and highly adaptable–thanks, in part, to the easily adjustable deployant clasp. Tolerance at the lugs could not be higher, either. Here it is completely colour-matched with case.
Specs
| Case | High Tech Ceramic Monobloc 43mm Diameter 49.8mm Lug to Lug 14.6mm Thick 22mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown 300m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Box Sapphire Crystal /w AR Skeleton Dial Arrow and Sword Hands Applied Indices White Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Rado R808 Regulated in Five Positions 25 Jewels 21 600bph 80-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Rubber Strap /w /w Deployant Clasp |
Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton in Blue
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Final Thoughts
Wrist presence is hardly an issue here. The blue is a striking hue, and juxtaposed with warm tones of the openwork dial, the Captain Cook is sure to stand out in a crowd. But like all models in the collection, the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton is a purposeful and capable diver, boasting 300m of water resistance. With arrival of summer today, perhaps this is just the diver you’re after.
Pricing & Availability
The new Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton in Blue retails for $5900CAD/$4400USD. Please visit the brand website for more information.
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About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
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